Contributors

Scenic 98 Coastal is envisioned as a collaborative effort, bringing together a wide range of voices and experiences to highlight everything that makes this community so unique. We want to thank the contributors below for sharing their stories with us and making the newsletter possible each week.

Everyone has a story tell, if you would like to become a contributor and an integral part of the growing Scenic98Coastal community, please reach out via the contact form at the bottom of this page!

Zeb Hargett

Zeb Hargett, born and raised in Mobile with his three brothers, spent most of his childhood summers in Point Clear, AL, where his parents bought a summer house in 1960. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in business, he lived in New Orleans, and Dallas before settling in Birmingham to raise his three children. Zeb continued the family tradition by spending as much time as possible in Point Clear with his family before moving back permanently in 2011. Zeb now serves as the Founder, Senior Writer, and Publisher of Scenic 98 Coastal. He enjoys intersecting his love for the area, meeting interesting people, and sharing their stories. He particularly likes stories that appear in the Musings of the Cove category, that bring a laugh or fond memory of growing up in the area.

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Zeb Hargett

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Gina Lanaux

Gina Lanaux, daughter of a journalist and advertising executive, graduated from Julius T. Wright School for Girls in 1973. There, a rigorous English teacher required her to write essays, book reports, term papers, and creative compositions. While doing this homework, having a father as a teaching editor was beneficial because she learned to craft sentences with proper grammar and syntax and to appreciate the written word. She graduated from the State University of New York with a degree in Dance Education and opened a dance studio in Fairhope in 1978, where besides teaching dance, she wrote newsletters, emails, curriculum, press releases, and social media content to grow and manage her business. Upon retirement in 2020, Gina began a job with Fairhope Living Magazine as a content coordinator, editor, and writer. When Scenic 98 Coastal was created, she was happy to help her friend Zeb Hargett with editing and writing Scenic 98 Coastal. She is grateful for the opportunity to use her mind in her retirement.

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Gina Lanaux

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Sarah Blizzard Robinson

Sarah Blizzard Robinson writes nonfiction and poetry, and is the author of AS A RESULT, a coming-of-age memoir about her recovery. She enjoys living in Fairhope with her husband Jim of 45 years. Writing for Scenic 98 Coastal has given the author opportunities to meet people with fascinating stories to tell. Robinson's memoir is available at Amazon.

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Sarah Blizzard Robinson

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John A. Nielson

John Nielsen is writer and small business owner living at Fowl River. A native of Evergreen, he raised a family in Conecuh County with his wife, Kelly. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama’s five-year undergrad program. He spent a career as an import and product development specialist for a botanical products company. His work took him rural and remote locations in 25 different countries on every continent except Antarctica. During his travels, he failed to find any place more desirable than the South. He DID discover that there is a story to be found almost anywhere, but especially in rural places. He only writes short stories that are true, partly true, or made up from whole cloth and prefers to write with humor, unless there none to be found.

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John A. Nielson

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T. Jensen Lacey

Lacey specializes in history and travel writing and is author of a series of "tour-able history" books, including AMAZING ALABAMA: THE BICENTENNIAL EDITION. Lacey is author of 23 published books and 17 anthologies, including New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her latest, a cookbook, is one she began writing in 1981. Titled Around Our Southern Table, it contains recipes from four generations of Southern cooks and was completed with encouragement from friend and fellow author Rick Bragg. From 1990 through 2005, Lacey was a military correspondent, covering the activities of the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles). Lacey is also a freelance journalist and has published nearly 900 articles for newspapers and magazines. Her articles have appeared in publications including Southern Living and Vanderbilt Magazine.

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T. Jensen Lacey

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Frances McGowin

Frances McGowin worked with Ralph Lauren in New York from 1978-1982 before moving to Atlanta to work with Conde Naste fashion publications. In 1994, Frances headed Georgia Equestrian Training Alliance to place international equestrian teams in Georgia farms prior to the 1996 Olympics. After returning to Alabama in 1997, she developed therapeutic and educational programs for at-risk and incarcerated youth, children with special needs, Foster Care children and incarcerated adults. Frances founded the Dogs On Call Therapy Dog program in 2008 and Service Dogs Alabama in 2010. Frances is an avid animal lover and has trained dogs and horses most of her life. Frances is a visionary, public speaker, artist, and writer. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Development and Counseling.

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Frances McGowin

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Sarah Robinson

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Francis McGowin

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John A. Nielsom

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Justin Parrish

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Antoinette

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Meet Our Amazing Team

Zeb Hargett

Zeb Hargett, born and raised in Mobile with his three brothers, spent most of his childhood summers in Point Clear, AL, where his parents bought a summer house in 1960. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in business, he lived in New Orleans, and Dallas before settling in Birmingham to raise his three children. Zeb continued the family tradition by spending as much time as possible in Point Clear with his family before moving back permanently in 2011. Zeb now serves as the Founder, Senior Writer, and Publisher of Scenic 98 Coastal. He enjoys intersecting his love for the area, meeting interesting people, and sharing their stories. He particularly likes stories that appear in the Musings of the Cove category, that bring a laugh or fond memory of growing up in the area.

Gina Lanaux

Gina Lanaux, daughter of a journalist and advertising executive, graduated from Julius T. Wright School for Girls in 1973. There, a rigorous English teacher required her to write essays, book reports, term papers, and creative compositions. While doing this homework, having a father as a teaching editor was beneficial because she learned to craft sentences with proper grammar and syntax and to appreciate the written word. She graduated from the State University of New York with a degree in Dance Education and opened a dance studio in Fairhope in 1978, where besides teaching dance, she wrote newsletters, emails, curriculum, press releases, and social media content to grow and manage her business. Upon retirement in 2020, Gina began a job with Fairhope Living Magazine as a content coordinator, editor, and writer. When Scenic 98 Coastal was created, she was happy to help her friend Zeb Hargett with editing and writing Scenic 98 Coastal. She is grateful for the opportunity to use her mind in her retirement.

Sarah Blizzard Robinson

Sarah Blizzard Robinson writes nonfiction and poetry, and is the author of AS A RESULT, a coming-of-age memoir about her recovery. She enjoys living in Fairhope with her husband Jim of 45 years. Writing for Scenic 98 Coastal has given the author opportunities to meet people with fascinating stories to tell. Robinson's memoir is available at Amazon.

John A. Nielson

John Nielsen is writer and small business owner living at Fowl River. A native of Evergreen, he raised a family in Conecuh County with his wife, Kelly. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama’s five-year undergrad program. He spent a career as an import and product development specialist for a botanical products company. His work took him rural and remote locations in 25 different countries on every continent except Antarctica. During his travels, he failed to find any place more desirable than the South. He DID discover that there is a story to be found almost anywhere, but especially in rural places. He only writes short stories that are true, partly true, or made up from whole cloth and prefers to write with humor, unless there none to be found.

T. Jensen Lacey

Lacey specializes in history and travel writing and is author of a series of "tour-able history" books, including AMAZING ALABAMA: THE BICENTENNIAL EDITION. Lacey is author of 23 published books and 17 anthologies, including New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her latest, a cookbook, is one she began writing in 1981. Titled Around Our Southern Table, it contains recipes from four generations of Southern cooks and was completed with encouragement from friend and fellow author Rick Bragg. From 1990 through 2005, Lacey was a military correspondent, covering the activities of the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles). Lacey is also a freelance journalist and has published nearly 900 articles for newspapers and magazines. Her articles have appeared in publications including Southern Living and Vanderbilt Magazine.

Frances McGowin

Frances McGowin worked with Ralph Lauren in New York from 1978-1982 before moving to Atlanta to work with Conde Naste fashion publications. In 1994, Frances headed Georgia Equestrian Training Alliance to place international equestrian teams in Georgia farms prior to the 1996 Olympics. After returning to Alabama in 1997, she developed therapeutic and educational programs for at-risk and incarcerated youth, children with special needs, Foster Care children and incarcerated adults. Frances founded the Dogs On Call Therapy Dog program in 2008 and Service Dogs Alabama in 2010. Frances is an avid animal lover and has trained dogs and horses most of her life. Frances is a visionary, public speaker, artist, and writer. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Development and Counseling.

In addition to the regular contributors highlighted above, we also need to thank the following guest contributors who have shared a story or two with our readers.

Tallulah Marie Sheepshead: My Daddy Loved to Fish & Reflections from Tallulah
Frederick Rowell: How Fishing Pole Got its Name
Trey Barnard: Fairhope Famous, A Tribute to Moose
Eleanor Ford: The Forgotten Coast, Apalachicola, FL & Seven Days in New Orleans
Molly Johnson: Brother Fox Restaurant, Pensacola
Rusty James: Note for Note, Sound for Sound, The Black Jacket Symphony
Russell Haas: The Peg Legged Man in the Hollowed-Out Tree
Antoinette Savoie: The Hidden Gem: Four Seasons Catering & Eatery
Wade Wellborn: Blind Dog Mike, Point Clear, Alabama
Diana Rell Dean: Cruising the Coast of Belize
Harry P. Johnson: The House that Jack West Built
‍

Meet Our Amazing Team

Zeb Hargett

Zeb Hargett, born and raised in Mobile with his three brothers, spent most of his childhood summers in Point Clear, AL, where his parents bought a summer house in 1960. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in business, he lived in New Orleans, and Dallas before settling in Birmingham to raise his three children. Zeb continued the family tradition by spending as much time as possible in Point Clear with his family before moving back permanently in 2011. Zeb now serves as the Founder, Senior Writer, and Publisher of Scenic 98 Coastal. He enjoys intersecting his love for the area, meeting interesting people, and sharing their stories. He particularly likes stories that appear in the Musings of the Cove category, that bring a laugh or fond memory of growing up in the area.

Gina Lanaux

Gina Lanaux, daughter of a journalist and advertising executive, graduated from Julius T. Wright School for Girls in 1973. There, a rigorous English teacher required her to write essays, book reports, term papers, and creative compositions. While doing this homework, having a father as a teaching editor was beneficial because she learned to craft sentences with proper grammar and syntax and to appreciate the written word. She graduated from the State University of New York with a degree in Dance Education and opened a dance studio in Fairhope in 1978, where besides teaching dance, she wrote newsletters, emails, curriculum, press releases, and social media content to grow and manage her business. Upon retirement in 2020, Gina began a job with Fairhope Living Magazine as a content coordinator, editor, and writer. When Scenic 98 Coastal was created, she was happy to help her friend Zeb Hargett with editing and writing Scenic 98 Coastal. She is grateful for the opportunity to use her mind in her retirement.

Sarah Blizzard Robinson

Sarah Blizzard Robinson writes nonfiction and poetry, and is the author of AS A RESULT, a coming-of-age memoir about her recovery. She enjoys living in Fairhope with her husband Jim of 45 years. Writing for Scenic 98 Coastal has given the author opportunities to meet people with fascinating stories to tell. Robinson's memoir is available at Amazon.

John A. Nielson

John Nielsen is writer and small business owner living at Fowl River. A native of Evergreen, he raised a family in Conecuh County with his wife, Kelly. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama’s five-year undergrad program. He spent a career as an import and product development specialist for a botanical products company. His work took him rural and remote locations in 25 different countries on every continent except Antarctica. During his travels, he failed to find any place more desirable than the South. He DID discover that there is a story to be found almost anywhere, but especially in rural places. He only writes short stories that are true, partly true, or made up from whole cloth and prefers to write with humor, unless there none to be found.

T. Jensen Lacey

Lacey specializes in history and travel writing and is author of a series of "tour-able history" books, including AMAZING ALABAMA: THE BICENTENNIAL EDITION. Lacey is author of 23 published books and 17 anthologies, including New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her latest, a cookbook, is one she began writing in 1981. Titled Around Our Southern Table, it contains recipes from four generations of Southern cooks and was completed with encouragement from friend and fellow author Rick Bragg. From 1990 through 2005, Lacey was a military correspondent, covering the activities of the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles). Lacey is also a freelance journalist and has published nearly 900 articles for newspapers and magazines. Her articles have appeared in publications including Southern Living and Vanderbilt Magazine.

Frances McGowin

Frances McGowin worked with Ralph Lauren in New York from 1978-1982 before moving to Atlanta to work with Conde Naste fashion publications. In 1994, Frances headed Georgia Equestrian Training Alliance to place international equestrian teams in Georgia farms prior to the 1996 Olympics. After returning to Alabama in 1997, she developed therapeutic and educational programs for at-risk and incarcerated youth, children with special needs, Foster Care children and incarcerated adults. Frances founded the Dogs On Call Therapy Dog program in 2008 and Service Dogs Alabama in 2010. Frances is an avid animal lover and has trained dogs and horses most of her life. Frances is a visionary, public speaker, artist, and writer. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Development and Counseling.

Become A Contributor

Scenic 98 Coastal strives to tell positive stories about the people, places, and things that make the Scenic 98 Coastal area such a great place to live, work, and play. We love highlighting small businesses and the people behind them, conservation groups that are working to protect and preserve our wonderful natural habitat, and nonprofit organizations that help bring communities together.

Our stories do not promote any political or religious belief, but we do include stories of people guided by their principles for the greater good. Visit our Categories page to learn more about the subject matter we try to include in the newsletter which is published each Wednesday morning.

If you would like to become a contributor, please reach out with your story ideas through the contact link below and tell us what you have in mind.

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Meet Our Amazing Team

Zeb Hargett

Zeb Hargett, born and raised in Mobile with his three brothers, spent most of his childhood summers in Point Clear, AL, where his parents bought a summer house in 1960. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in business, he lived in New Orleans, and Dallas before settling in Birmingham to raise his three children. Zeb continued the family tradition by spending as much time as possible in Point Clear with his family before moving back permanently in 2011. Zeb now serves as the Founder, Senior Writer, and Publisher of Scenic 98 Coastal. He enjoys intersecting his love for the area, meeting interesting people, and sharing their stories. He particularly likes stories that appear in the Musings of the Cove category, that bring a laugh or fond memory of growing up in the area.

Gina Lanaux

Gina Lanaux, daughter of a journalist and advertising executive, graduated from Julius T. Wright School for Girls in 1973. There, a rigorous English teacher required her to write essays, book reports, term papers, and creative compositions. While doing this homework, having a father as a teaching editor was beneficial because she learned to craft sentences with proper grammar and syntax and to appreciate the written word. She graduated from the State University of New York with a degree in Dance Education and opened a dance studio in Fairhope in 1978, where besides teaching dance, she wrote newsletters, emails, curriculum, press releases, and social media content to grow and manage her business. Upon retirement in 2020, Gina began a job with Fairhope Living Magazine as a content coordinator, editor, and writer. When Scenic 98 Coastal was created, she was happy to help her friend Zeb Hargett with editing and writing Scenic 98 Coastal. She is grateful for the opportunity to use her mind in her retirement.

Sarah Blizzard Robinson

Sarah Blizzard Robinson writes nonfiction and poetry, and is the author of AS A RESULT, a coming-of-age memoir about her recovery. She enjoys living in Fairhope with her husband Jim of 45 years. Writing for Scenic 98 Coastal has given the author opportunities to meet people with fascinating stories to tell. Robinson's memoir is available at Amazon.

John A. Nielson

John Nielsen is writer and small business owner living at Fowl River. A native of Evergreen, he raised a family in Conecuh County with his wife, Kelly. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama’s five-year undergrad program. He spent a career as an import and product development specialist for a botanical products company. His work took him rural and remote locations in 25 different countries on every continent except Antarctica. During his travels, he failed to find any place more desirable than the South. He DID discover that there is a story to be found almost anywhere, but especially in rural places. He only writes short stories that are true, partly true, or made up from whole cloth and prefers to write with humor, unless there none to be found.

T. Jensen Lacey

Lacey specializes in history and travel writing and is author of a series of "tour-able history" books, including AMAZING ALABAMA: THE BICENTENNIAL EDITION. Lacey is author of 23 published books and 17 anthologies, including New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her latest, a cookbook, is one she began writing in 1981. Titled Around Our Southern Table, it contains recipes from four generations of Southern cooks and was completed with encouragement from friend and fellow author Rick Bragg. From 1990 through 2005, Lacey was a military correspondent, covering the activities of the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles). Lacey is also a freelance journalist and has published nearly 900 articles for newspapers and magazines. Her articles have appeared in publications including Southern Living and Vanderbilt Magazine.

Frances McGowin

Frances McGowin worked with Ralph Lauren in New York from 1978-1982 before moving to Atlanta to work with Conde Naste fashion publications. In 1994, Frances headed Georgia Equestrian Training Alliance to place international equestrian teams in Georgia farms prior to the 1996 Olympics. After returning to Alabama in 1997, she developed therapeutic and educational programs for at-risk and incarcerated youth, children with special needs, Foster Care children and incarcerated adults. Frances founded the Dogs On Call Therapy Dog program in 2008 and Service Dogs Alabama in 2010. Frances is an avid animal lover and has trained dogs and horses most of her life. Frances is a visionary, public speaker, artist, and writer. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Development and Counseling.